Lighting 101 is a guide on choosing the right lighting for your room. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the basics of lighting, such as the physical feel in a space, and the importance of layering light. Most people rely on ceiling lights as their primary source of light, but it’s essential to consider other factors such as ceiling height, style, and bulbs.
Lighting designers suggest using layers of lighting to ensure all areas are adequately illuminated and create different moods. Ambient, task, and accent lighting are the three main types of lighting to know. Ceiling height is crucial when selecting hanging fixtures.
Each room in your home serves a different purpose, and lighting choices should reflect that. Task-oriented lighting is ideal for areas like the kitchen or laundry room, while living spaces require task-oriented lighting. Choosing the right lighting can reduce eye strain, headaches, and eye fatigue, and help perform tasks safely and efficiently.
When planning living room lighting, consider six factors: size and space, occupant’s age and preference, ceiling height and shape, color of walls and furniture, and existing lights. Opt for layered lighting, using a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting.
In conclusion, choosing the right lighting for your home involves understanding the basics, considering factors like size, space, occupant’s age and preference, ceiling height and shape, color of walls and furniture, and existing lights. By following these guidelines, you can enhance the value, environment, decor, and lower energy consumption in your home.
📹 How to Choose the Right Lighting for Your Home | Lisa Holt Design
Not sure what lighting goes where?! In this video, Lisa shares her top lighting tips, so you can select the perfect lighting for every …
How do I choose a lighting design?
When planning living room lighting, consider six factors: layered lighting, installing dimmers, using energy-efficient fixtures, selecting the right bulb, and paying attention to placement. The right light can brighten the room, add glamour, or create a cozy setting for lounging. Arjun Rathi, lighting designer and founder of Arjun Rathi Design, suggests three main types of lighting for the living room: ambient lighting, which sets the tone of the space and provides overall illumination, natural light, spotlights, and fixed wall lights, and recessed ceiling lighting, which distributes light evenly across the room. These tips can help create a bright and comfortable living room.
How to choose interior lights?
In selecting a fixture, it is advisable to commence with a favored room element and then choose a light that is in harmony with it. To illustrate, the installation of a minimalist lighting scheme on a contemporary sofa can serve to augment the overall ambience of the space. It is also advisable to consider the cabinet or door hardware and select fixtures with a complementary finish.
What is the best lighting for an interior?
Recessed lights, natural lighting, chandeliers, pendant lighting, wall sconces, track lighting, and under-cabinet lighting are all essential elements in home interior design. They set the mood, define spaces, and can transform a space into a warm and welcoming space. However, choosing the right lighting can be confusing due to the wide variety available. Understanding the different types of lighting and how to use them effectively can help brighten up your space.
This comprehensive guide from the best residential interior designers from an interior design firm aims to help you understand the different types of lights in home interiors and share some bonus tips.
How do I choose a good room light?
In summary, the lighting in a living room can be layered, consisting of task and ambient lighting. Overhead pendants or chandeliers provide an ambient glow, while task lights like table and floor lamps make it easier to read and relax. Choose warmer color temperatures and install a dimmer switch to control the brightness of the overhead lights. For ambient lighting, choose bulbs between 1, 500 and 3, 000 lumens, and for task lighting, at least 400 lumens. Keep blinds or curtains open during the day to take advantage of natural light.
In the kitchen, LED bulbs should be used for ambient lighting and task lighting, with a dimmer switch for cooking. Under-cabinet lights and pendant lighting over an island can serve as both task and ambient lighting. Choose warmer bulbs for overhead fixtures and cooler colors for task lights. A window over the sink can also be beneficial.
In the bedroom, keep the color temperature warm to promote rest and relaxation. Incorporate table lamps, wall sconces, or floor lamps for reading before bedtime. Ambient ceiling lighting should be between 2-4, 000 lumens, and task lights should be at least 500 lumens each. Closet lighting should be at or above 400 lumens.
In the bathroom, wall lighting next to mirrors is best to avoid casting shadows on the face. Ambient lighting should be between 4, 000 and 8, 000 lumens, and mirror task light should be at least 1, 700 lumens. Use blinds for privacy and open them to enjoy morning sunlight.
What are the 3 basic types of lighting?
A well-designed lighting setup involves three basic types: ambient or general lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting. Ambient lighting provides a warm glow to a room, setting the tone for the space and ensuring comfortable movement. It can also double as task lighting in some cases. Accent lighting is another essential type of lighting that can be used to create a welcoming atmosphere for work or relaxation. By combining these types of lighting, a well-designed space can be a welcoming and comfortable environment for individuals to work or relax.
How to select room lights?
The right lighting scheme for a living room can brighten the space, add glamour, or create a cozy atmosphere. To make the right choice, consider six key aspects: installing dimmers, using energy-efficient fixtures, selecting the right bulb, and paying attention to placement. Experts Arjun Rathi, Ali Baldiwala, Nikhil Paul, and Sachin Gupta offer tips on choosing the right lighting scheme.
Ambient lighting, which sets the tone of the space and provides overall illumination, is a popular choice. Natural light, spotlights, and fixed wall lights fall under this category. Recessed ceiling lighting distributes light evenly, ensuring a uniform lighting level.
In summary, the right lighting scheme can brighten your living room, create a cosy atmosphere, and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal.
What are the 4 types of interior lighting?
The right lighting is crucial for enhancing interior design and highlighting a home’s best features. There are four main types of lighting: ambient, task, accent, and decorative. Ambient lighting, which is used to evenly light up a room, is the foundation for any interior lighting scheme. It should be used in every room, ideally in the center, and closer to the ceiling to diffuse light more effectively.
How to lighting interior design?
To optimize interior lighting in your home, mix multiple levels of lighting throughout each room, such as kitchen units above the island and task lighting underneath cabinetry, or ceiling units in living rooms with table top lamps around the perimeter. This combination makes rooms more functional.
Incorporating dimmers when installing lighting can also improve productivity, reduce energy consumption, save money, and make rooms more customizable. For example, in the kitchen or living room, you can adjust overhead lighting more frequently, making the room more versatile and comfortable. This can lead to more efficient use of space and improved overall functionality.
How to choose home lights?
To create a comprehensive home lighting plan, start by creating a list of necessary fixtures, determining the general style/design direction, choosing the metal finish, and choosing fixtures with similar lines and feels. Light fixtures are essential for a home, as they can be statement-makers or support pieces in a room. Coordinating light fixtures with each other is crucial, especially in open floor plans where multiple fixtures are present throughout the space.
To avoid overwhelming yourself with options, set boundary conditions before shopping. Create a lighting plan before starting to shop, including three options in brass, black, and polished nickel. Each plan includes a variety of fixture types that can work in various rooms in your home. Once you select a few fixtures to start with, you can add more fixtures to fill in the gaps as needed.
In summary, creating a comprehensive home lighting plan involves creating a list of fixtures, determining the general style/design direction, choosing the metal finish, and choosing fixtures with similar lines and feels. By following these guidelines, you can create a cohesive and functional lighting scheme throughout your home.
How to choose indoor lights?
Home lighting design is a crucial aspect of a room’s aesthetics, often overlooked as a finishing touch. It’s essential to consider the right lighting, from statement chandeliers to accent lights, as they play a functional role and contribute to the room’s ambience. To make the right choices, research and understand the purpose of each fixture and bulb. To simplify the process, seven best home lighting tips are gathered in one place.
These tips include starting with a focal point, going room by room, balancing size and scale, layering lights, incorporating natural light, and prioritizing energy efficiency. By following these tips, you can choose lighting that complements your space and offers functionality and utility.
How to select lights for a room?
To create a cozy living room, choose warm white bulbs (around 2700K) for a cosy atmosphere and cool white bulbs (around 4000K) for an energetic feel. Place lighting fixtures strategically to avoid glare and shadows, such as placing floor lamps next to TV screens or table lamps at the correct height. When choosing a statement light, choose a design that looks great even when not illuminated, as it adds drama and a show-stopping feature to the room. Ensure the light is in proportion with the room’s size.
📹 Interior Design Tips: Consistency in Lighting
When I asked, “What do you struggle with the most?” when it comes to designing your home, the most common response was.
Hey! I have been sewing for 50 years🧵🪡 This sewing background taught me more than anyone can understand. In addition to sewing skills, I know a lot about design, color, texture, fibers, and weaves, and design and function. Taking all of this knowledge makes it easy to transition to doing interior design. I highly recommend people learn how to sew. I have made all of my lined luxury draperies in my home and I have saved thousands of dollars.
2:24: Lisa re task lighting: “Did I just say sewing, who sews?” Haha. I still sew. I sew custom lined drapes, shams, throw pillows, a few comforters, table runners, bed skirts, huge custom teddy bears made with various clothing from recipient’s loved ones. Lisa. I found you yesterday and now I’m almost through binging all of your articles. Thanks for generously sharing your knowledge, my kind of person. Can you recommend where to shop online for lamp shades? Shades one wouldn’t find in Lamps Plus or big box stores. Thank you!
Lighting is so critical to function, comfort and tension levels of the occupants. This needs to be taken in consideration for homes, schools and work places. I spent money on dimmer switches in my home and the family has benefited by the calming effect. We even added amber bulbs for night time use that helps with melatonin for good sleep.
For a party or for our own enjoyment be sure to turn on the candles the torches and the nightscaping before daylight wanes. Set the music for the day. And like Lisa reminded me have your lighting level set with the lamp dimmers. Then, before there is any indication of sunset hit the Lutron wall switches that control the lamp outlets. Or better yet hit the master Lutron switch and the whole house goes into you can’t leave we are just starting mode. Party planning 101. Oh, and don’t serve the main course until everyone is just a little bit tipsy (appeteasers, pupus, etc. are OK. Lighting. Hey we grew eyes to see what earth looks like right. Right. Thanks Lisa this brought me out of a boredom trance. L G 😳😎😍
As far as I know, 5500∆ – 6000∆ is so-called “daylight”, that is the healthiest for eyes. I use it in my home for general lighting (as indirect light, which means that the lamp itself is invisible. You do not actually even think that there is light, you do not see the difference if you switch on the light during the daytime, with the light from the window and in your space) and I could not take anything else. The light affect also your moods. Bad lighting can cause depression. The light is not only a visual thing, but it is also a health-thing as well. Of course, in addition, there can be decorative lights (like candles 🙂 ) and other things you mention. But, 3000K is too dark for me. But: I live in the North, in Germany. It is so dark here especially in winters that I need light. I come from Finland where it is even darker, and longer time of the year.
Hi! I have an open floor plan with the dining table and the kitchen island next to each other. I would like to install a nice chandelier above the table and complimentary pendant lights over the island. How would I go about selecting the best “story” for the space? I might add that my style is leaning towards a Coastal Boho vibe. Thank you!
One thing I will like to have your opinion on is …. do you like to maintain symmetry with the lighting in a room? I personally would like to go for a table lamp on one side and a similar floor lamp on the other. But most of the examples online have exact same lamps or lighting fixtures on both sides of the room. Will like to know your view please.
Hi Lisa… thank you for your valuable information on lighting. I need your help, i do have fluorescent light in my kitchen! But only as a task light in the center of the kitchen. I also have nice recessed lights. How can i convert my fluorescent lights into LED? The fluorescent lights are inside a very nice wooden frame. Thank you so very much!
omg! i had to stop right in the middle of your article and say…this is hands down the BEST lighting instruction out there! lighting is so difficult for diy decorators/designers. the light panel that you use to show us the difference in the light is super helpful. i have read so many articles and still did not understand….now i do. you explain things in a way that is so much easier to understand. i am forwarding this article to all of my friends!
I wish you could explain more in-depth about —sconces, and vanity lighting. Are sconces only for accent? I thought they were used also for balancing light, for example for a vanity. Please help!!! I purchased sconces to rest on top of mirrors on different walls in my master bathroom with a bar overhead lighting as well. Bulb type Type A bulb 100 watt max. Also, as a rule of thumb should the vase or globe on the over head lighting fixture ever extend into the mirror? Lastly, is it okay to put sconces on top of a mirror? Sorry for so many questions, but right now I’m having to make these choices. Everyone seems to have their own opinion on lighting I just know what looks good which might not mean correct. Thank you for your article!
WHERE DO YOU FIND 3200K bulbs, WHERE? I’ve been looking all over! I need a good neutral light in my workspace, and while it’s easy to find 2700 (way too warm) and 4000 (way too cool, everything looks blue), the best I used to be able to find was 3500, which was a little too cool but workable, and now I can’t find that anymore. (I can find 3000s, but they are a smidge too warm, and hard to find.)
I would love a article on coordinating lighting so it looks cohesive. I have a 3 arm arc lamp which offers abundant light, but need other lighting sources in the room and I am not quite sure how to select something that coordinates well visually. Should table and floor lamps match? Should they contrast? Etc.
Iam a big fun of yours and in this article you mentioned dimmers .So I purchased a house that was very dark so I put can light All over the ceilings for practical reasons. I didn’t want the warehouse effect I asked them all on dimmers.But the dimmers do not go low enough the lowest is pretty much a but below regular level of lighting but it’s definitely not relaxing ..and my electrician was pretty much mumbling about it.I can’t understand what went wrong and if there is remedy..whomever puts dimmers make sure that they can dim..Good luck everyone!
I have watched your article and it is superb!!! I like to have more information of exterior soffit LED pot lights. Best Led color temperature for my black soffit, red brick exterior. My electrician installed 4 inches, slim panel 9W = 80w, 750Lm, 4000K Dimmable but the house looks very grayish/white. It changed the color of the brick to cool tones and looks awful. I tried to use the dimmer to the lowest set but it is very bight light and greyish instead of a low light. I like warmer tones. My other option is 3000K but i am afraid it will be very yellow/golden tones. please help..need your advice as an expert. What is the correct lighting for my black soffit. Thank you in advance, Maria
Thank you as always so informative! More please 😉 Silly questions and diatribe to follow, I moved recently into a very traditionally styled home, all the fixtures match ( is that good or boring ? ) some fixtures are less in your face 👵 grandma, and just pretty, all contain aged silver metal and alabaster, as a sconce I am ok with that look, but the chandelier just feel stuffy like it got lost in the 70’s it has 5 lights pointing up like giant white alabaster wine cups 😝 With out the cups I would be less aesthetically offended 🤣 What to do? Hit it with a broom? Remove the grandma cups? I don’t like the phoney 🕯either. I think Boho wicker will look cheap…the whole house style looks like someone had money in 2000, Brazilian cherry wood floors again pretty grandma, but still pretty and natural element, just not today style.Jute rug will cure that (thank you teacher) I am still not sure what my style is?? Just strong likes and dislikes, love modern, global, steam punk (thou don’t have a single piece of it) love japandi, elements of streamlined Boho if such a thing is out there, basically HELP (which you have been😄) How to combine and figure out your style without big bucks??? THANK YOU LOVE YOUR website and enthusiasm!! Any plant questions I got you covered 😉
An approximation of “4000K” (Philips) seems to be a good choice where lamps are to complement daylight, such as far from a window. I’m not sure how the tunable lamp works, but regular ones is cooler than the number would suggest, as it is basically two distinct colors emitted. I like to mix halogen and LED for better colors, so i’m limited to 2700k-2800k.
wow, I just happened upon you when searching for some paint info last week. You are so happy, I’ve gone out of my way to watch a couple of your articles every day, just because they are happy and straightforward and unaffected, and funny! And honestly, I don’t even care much about decorating and design! Thanks, you’re my go to happy quarantino article.
Hello, can you please make a article talking about types of lighting fixtures for an open floor plan? Example how to pick lights for the island, the dining room and the above lighting like flush mounted lighting. I am having a tough time on how to make it look cohesive in the space. So basically a article about lighting fixtures in your space and how to pick the right ones.
Lisa, hands down you have the best content of any design website. Love your adorable personality! Question, Is it okay to mix Kelvins if they are in different rooms? I like 3000K and my husband likes 2700K? (Surprisingly there is a big difference in the color) What if the lighting can be seen from another room?
Hi very helpful. But I wanted to know one thing. I’ve watched shows on TV like Property Brothers and have noticed in the reveals they use mostly cool white lighting. It looks really nice and more modern. I like it but do you recommend it? I wonder if they switch out for warmer bulbs after or if it’s intentional?
Hi Lisa, I’m new to your website. Yes, I Liked your article, subscribed and rang the bell for alerts.😁 Question regarding lighting…I’m choosing pendant lights for my island. We have an open concept home where the do I g room is to the right of my kitchen. Do my pendant lights need to match the style of my dining room light fixture? Thank you for the great articles!
Just watched you article on Paint…and knew I had to go find your information on lighting. I have purchased over the last month…7 boxes of flooring. Taking my paint color, tile…to confirm my color palate…only to find after hauling it to the car, out of the car, up the steps and view it on the floor to find it is not even a match to what worked inside the store…so hauling it all back what a hassle, my children think I’m being too picky but I would see this EVERY TIME I enter the room and be disappointed. Who wants to live like that? . Seeing your example of the light on white brick go from a blue to a cream …wow.
In H.G. Well’s famous book “The First Men in the Moon” he described an unusual lighting system used by the insect civilization living there. Actually, they do live there. They took a phosphorescent liquid, exposed it to light so that it would glow, and then pumped it into a clear trough at the top floor of the building. The glowing liquid then flowed downhill through the trough, floor by floor, until it reached the bottom, and was pumped back up again. This way, the phosphorescent liquid was able to illuminate the interior of the whole building. The same thing could be done on Earth, if a glowing liquid could be developed that was bright enough. We can ask for a sample of what they’re using.
Lisa I’ve fallen IN LOVE with your website!!! Where in CA are you located? I love that you teach all the basic rules of design, but arent stuffy about it and encourage expressing yourself! Lighting is such a tricky one & I’ve ended up with some challenges but the rule of 3 applies so well here for sure. I recently just switched out some of my wall switches to dimmers and also using wifi tech to connect the majority of my lights via Alexa. It’s soooo nice to have timed lighting around the house as well as voice commands if you come in the door with full hands. It’s soooo inexpensive these days to control so much in the home via tech & automation. Wonder if you’d consider doing a “home design tech” type article too? Thanks for the wonderful & entertaining content😻
I am getting ready to move into a studio converted from the garage and I really want to have my lighting set up professionally to create a beautiful atmosphere. I want to hire someone however my budget is super tight. Do you have any ideas how or if I can find affordable help with this. This is the most important design element to me. This article helped a lot. I feel a bit lost as I am starting from scratch with furniture and where I will be setting up the different areas. I really want to make the atmosphere special and lighting does so much with regard to the comfort level. I also really dislike the newer light bulbs they are very irritating to me. I would like to use the broad spectrum light bulbs that are like natural sunlight. Do you have any tips or dos and don’ts as far as those go. Would I be limited in certain ways by using them. I also want to be able to adjust the lighting scenario to what I have going on at a given time. So dimmers on everything a must. I would like to hear whatever advice you are able to reasonably give me and also recommendation for hiring someone. I wish you were here to help in person. I trust you and like you a lot. 😁
Hello Lisa, thank you for sharing such great information. I have a very specific question. How do you tackle a home made of concrete and stone, i mean most options of lighting get fixed” into” the ceiling and that is not always possible with this type of construction. I am writing to you all the way from India 😃 and all our homes are sold stone!! The concept of a false ceiling makes me cringe, and its also expensive especially in rentals. I would be so happy if you could share some tips on this subject. Thanks again!
Hi Lisa! I ❤️ your articles and how you make making a home so much fun. I have a question: my heart is set on recessed lighting in my living/dining space. Am worried about losing height off my ceiling (8’6″). What’s the alternative? Track lightning? So 80’s!!! Is there an alternative? The space isn’t too big either. Thanks!
Can you share any good rules of thumb for where to place recessed lighting in a dining room and living room? We’re redoing the walls and ceilings in both rooms and they both have drop ceilings. While they’re opened up, we figured it’s a good opportunity to install recessed lighting, but we want to place them well and I think we still plan to have an overhead light fixture, I think. What do you suggest?
If you can’t change flourescent fixtures as it would mean a complete ceiling overhaul you can’t afford (especially in older homes), you can choose full spectrum (sunshine) bulbs which give a nice colour. I’ve used that hack in several homes which had north facing kitchens to great effect. Flick a switch and you’ve got a bright, sunny day. Later whenever you wish you can turn off the sun and let task lighting or candles take over.
Hi Lisa, I’m really enjoying your articles, they are SO informative and fun to watch! A question I have about lighting, is if it’s a good idea to combine several warmths of lighting (Kelvin) in one space I.e. bathroom – ceiling recessed lights 4000k and vanity fixture halogen lights of 2700k. This way there’s different atmosphere possibilities (cooler light for applying makeup, warmer light for a relaxing bath etc.) What do you think of that? I’d love to hear your opinion, thank you!
Who sews? Who do you think makes all those lovely drapery, pillow/cushions, bed covers in our homes! Just coming from someone who had to learn to sew in my young married life because I couldn’t afford much. But seriously, I am a professional seamstress now in my older years who designs, alters and sews bridal, formal and children’s wear. Your article was helpful in the fact that I use a lot of task lighting in my sewing room.
I’m redoing a small bathroom. I have one small window in tub area that is basically obscured by a shower curtain. I’m hanging pendant lights from ceiling above vanity that would be considered task lighting however I don’t have any ambient lighting (except window). I’m thinking of one or 2 pot lights however it seems like over kill given the size of the bathroom.
I’m completely renovating an 8×10 master bathroom. I’m putting in a walk on shower with glass doors. I am also putting in a floating vanity with some accent lighting below. I am installing a led lighted mirror (not backlit). Do I need recessed lighting? I know I want to put at least one in the shower. But is the led mirror enough? I was thinking of putting 2 recessed lights in the bathroom (not including the shower. I’m afraid to put too much light on the room!
LOVE ❣ LOVE ❣ YES THE $ € OR WHATEVEVER MAKES YOU WANT TO GO BLIND 🥰 LOVE THE LAYERS OF LIGHT YOU COULD SNUGGLE IN THEM🔸️💠🔹️ LOVE THOSE FILAMENT REMBRANDT🟧◾🔶️🟡◼🟫🟨🔸️ BLINGS AND THE CEILING JEWELLRY⚪▪️🔘 LIGHTS 🔹️ SO MANY RULES OF THUMB YOUR BRAIN S GOING NUMB 🔸️ THANK YOU LISA 🧡❤🤍FOR BEING A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS💛🤎🧡💙💛🖤
What about the sockets and switches? Do they have to be the same across the whole house? Or match the lightning fixtures, decor on every room separately. For example, in my living room and bedroom I have brass coloured light fixtures and thinking to put brass switches but in my hall, the lightning fixtures are chrome. Will all brass coloured switches look bad in the hall? Should I put chrome switches in the hall and brass in the other rooms?
How many lamps in the same style are ok without looking too “matchy”? Nowadays stores sell lamps who belong to a family (pendant lights in different sizes, spotlights, wall lights, etc). We need a pendant light on the dining table and two in the kitchen island, but we are not sure what to do with the main light in the kitchen where spotlights used to be. Should they all belong to the same family or not?
Hi BIG fan!! Thank you for the knowledge just started perusal you on UTUBE. Love the way you explain things. Justcwanted to comment on your dimmer idea. Yiu could also have Kasa lightbulbs that you can command the percentage of light you want to see, by asking ALEXA. So that would eliminate the cord situation. Can’t wsitvfor your next article.
Lisa help! We are in the process of buying a small condo at the beach for a get away. With this crazy virus, travel is going to be too much of a hassle. But everyone seems to have had the same idea so finding a large one is almost impossible. The biggest issue I have isn’t the size but the lighting, it’s the typical condo rectangle with the windows all on the end by the beach. So the light at that end is very bright but the other end of the rectangle is dark. It’s wrecking havoc with my choice of paint for the walls. I’m leaning to a sand color but there are dozens and they change color under different lighting (natural on the bright end and LED at the dark end). Any suggestions?
Hi Lisa, love your articles. I have a lot of very special decorative items that I have purchased or inherited over the years (e.g. a lost-wax bust my mother made of herself 50 years ago, geodes and other beautiful stones that my brother collected during rock-climbing expeditions, about 40 various sizes of prisms that my mother collected). I want to display these items without making my space too visually cluttered. How would you use lighting to help display collections literally in a better light? Also, what do you think of those coffee tables with lots of little compartments for displaying collections under glass? Framed shadow boxes? Bookshelves with built-in lights? Thank you!
Hi Lisa, thanks for the great article. I’d like to know where I can buy the pendant lights with the track lights on top featured in the article at 6.43. It’s exactly what I need. I’m remodeling my kitchen now so it’s the perfect time to add more lights. I want to put pendant lights over the peninsula of my kitchen as well as light the kitchen island. But I have a pot rack over the island that I absolutely love because I can hang about 16 pots and pans on it. However, this makes it difficult to put any lights through it. So I thought I can direct the 2 track lights toward the island even though the light fixture is hung over the peninsula.
Hi there – I’m new to your website and love your articles so far! You are such a hoot! I’m in a battle (that I plan to win) with my husband regarding the LED lights he’s buying. For example: he just bought LED bulbs for our living which has 6 beautiful little can’s. He replaced with LED’s. Now it looks like an operating room!!! What type of LED can we purchase (for this room and all rooms) so that it will cast that warmer glow? You mentioned to be at the 3000 kelvin level. But I’m confused about the Kelvins?? Colors?? you talked about. Will packaging show both color and kelvin scale? Thanks so much!
I have 3k throughout the house but 5k in my master bath for applying makeup in my recessed lights. The chandelier in the center is 3k. My idea was to only have the chandelier on when showing the home but use the recessed lights when getting ready. Brutally honest advice on my decision is welcomed, please!!!!
It’s so sad fluorescent lighting gets a bad rap. Fluorescent lighting has improved greatly from the 1960’s. It sounds like you are still living in the 1960’s fluorescent technology in the days of “cool white” halophosphate T12 phosphor lamps. The current fluorescent technology is greatly improved and we have triphosphor lamps with good color rendering and high lumen output. Unfortunately, it’s a moot point these days as LEDs are replacing fluorescent lamps in linear fixtures, and fluorescent lamps are slowly becoming obsolete.
On the onset I thought wow what a great article idea. But I am at the 6.45 minute now into the article and wow there’s is so much stuff in selecting lighting and you are such a good teacher and your tips are just things one would never have thought about. Superb. Can’t wait to watch the rest of the article and can’t wait for the entire series.
I found your article helpful. I used to build homes for a living and now teach high school engineering. Some of my favorite lighting has to do with task lighting and mood lighting. In my kitchen, I have five different lighting circuits (Main 4×8 fluorescent w/crown frame, 4 recessed cans, under-cabinet, over-cabinet, and 3 pendants over the bar/sink) two of which are on Lutron dimmers, and the two cabinet are rgb-led light strips which have dimmers built-in. The over-cabinet and under-cabinet are switched receptacles inside/above the wall cabinets. This allows for updating lighting when needed. With the recessed cans, pendants, and cabinet lighting dimming options you can create various combinations for a very pleasing effect, themed for the season, and perfect for entertaining. Throughout my home, I have three lighting options in the living rooms and master bedroom (indirect up ceiling light, ceiling fan, and recessed cans). I am a fan of trayed ceilings with crown molding flying out from the lower tray and led strip lights sitting inside the crown shining up to the higher ceiling illuminating ceiling crown and trim details. I also have a stone-walled arched nitch in the dining room with three miniature recessed lights washing the wall revealing the character of the stone. I know I got carried away with the lighting in my home but I really love the warmth, comfort, and calming effect it offers. Keep up the good work.
Exactly what I’ve been searching for! I am in the middle of creating a lighting plan and the variety is overwhelming. What I’d really like to know is how to get quality lighting without spending $500 on each item or having everything look like it’s from the display at the Ikea or Home Depot; I guess “lighting for the rest of us”. Your article really gives useful, helpful information. Thank you.
❤❤thank you so much . This article is so helpful . I have a question. We have small open space 45 m. Kitchen vs breakfast nook vs 2 chairs with fireplace . I think 2 big pendants can do my room smaller visually and divide room into 2 rooms . What do you think about one pendant on island with same level as big chandelier of living room ?
Thank you for your articles. Very informative, I have a question. I have a new building I am designing. The highest point of the ceiling is 14 ft high of which I am going to have 2 chandelier hanging from the beams. (16×20 space) What would your recommend/thoughts be for how far the light should hang down into the space? Is there a tried and true calculation for hanging lights in a large room style setting? like you had mentioned for pennants over a kitchen island, it seems like I see designers speak of that standard height for hanging. I am having difficulty finding any information for the great room setting.
Great article! In the middle of a whole house remodel on a 1965 brick ranch. Any suggestions for island pendant lighting where 8ft ceilings are involved? Having difficulty getting the pendants to look and hang right in that limited amount of space. They look stubby and squat and, in my opinion, the shades/globes look too close to the ceiling. Looking into linear pendant lighting but most are super modern or industrial and we are transitional/coastal. Thanks!!!!
Fabulous article! I am replacing lighting in my vacation home (slightly rustic cabin style). The previous lighting was brushed nickel and very matchy/dated. I have selected a matte black wagon wheel with frosted cylinder shades for the dining room. We dim those lights a lot, and I like the dimming better with the frosted shade. The foyer is visible from the dining room and I am trying to decide how different to go. Yes, I could do the smaller matching wagon wheel, but that would be boring. I have seen a lot of lantern styles I like, but would it be better to have a drum or cylinder shape to echo the round wagon wheel? There will also be a ceiling fan in the great room (black with walnut blades). Thoughts? and Thank you!
Two other elements of lighting are ‘layering’ and placement. Maybe you can do a part 2 on lighting to cover these aspects also. Layering of overheads, sconces, task etc….and chandeliers that need to be hung low enough over tables or in high ceiling rooms so that they do not look like UFO’s hovering in the sky. Colors of shades, each play a role (think black shades) as well as the ideal height of a lamp/shade on a living room table or bedside table so that your eye is not blinded by seeing the bulb. How about ‘wall-washers’ for textured walls, and uplights in the floor for wall-washing and plant hightlighting as well as safe night-time strolls? Sooo much to discuss….